Alive and Running

While in hiding, David receives word that the Philistines have attacked Keilah and he desires to go and fight them. Apparently his disdain for the Philistines has not ended since he defeated Goliath so he asks God if he should go and save Keilah. God answers that he should, but when David gathers his men they are afraid and don't want to go. Again David asks God what he should do and God says for them not to be afraid; He will deliver their enemies into their hands. David and his men fight and win, which gets back to Saul who thinks that God is delivering David into his hands. Saul's ability to convince himself that God is on his side - even though he has turned his back on God - is one we all must be aware of in our own lives. We often turn from God and His way of doing things, then expect to know His will or have our hearts open to His voice when we have closed ourselves off from Him. David continues to inquire of God before each move he makes and is able to stay one step ahead of Saul in his pursuit. Obviously David is tired, frustrated and discouraged from all of the running from Saul, but he is encouraged when Jonathon visits him and "helps him find strength in God." Jonathon is again acting as a true friend in one spirit with David by pointing him to God's strength in his time of need, as well as reminding him of God's promise that David will be king. Saul makes alliances with some of the men in the area where David is hiding and actually is closing in on David when he is suddenly called away because the Philistines are attacking his country. Even when the end seemed very near as Saul almost caught up to him, David must have clung to the promise that God would see him through and keep His promise. Today I pray for the strength to see God's promises in the dark moments. When God makes a promise to us, He never does so with conditions based on our efforts or the actions of others. His promises remain; I pray that my focus and faith will remain in Him.